UGI Utilities Inc. announced its purchased gas cost rates will increase on Saturday. As a result, the average residential heating customer receiving gas supply from UGI will see a bill increase of 7.1%, raising the average bill from $104.37 per month to $111.73 per month.

Colder temperatures have led to increased demand for natural gas and increased supply costs. By law, utilities are required to pass the cost of the natural gas they purchase directly through to customers without any markup.

UGI recognizes some customers may have difficulty paying their heating bills. The company offers budget billing, as well as multiple payment options such as via UGI’s online account center and app, as well as an auto-pay program to assist customers in managing bill payments. Pennsylvania customers can also choose their energy supplier and shop around for competitive rates at www.PAGasSwitch.com.

Customers with a limited or fixed income should visit www.ugi.com/customerassistance or call UGI at 1-800-UGI-WARM to determine if they are eligible for one of several energy assistance programs. Furthermore, UGI can assist eligible customers in applying for federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program grants.

UGI encourages customers to use energy wisely and make efficiency improvements in their homes. Additional information on energy efficiency programs is available on UGI’s website at www.ugi.com/energy-saving-tips .